Vodacom and the Eastern Cape Chamber of Business (ECCOB) have partnered to assist with the digitalisation of SMEs in the province.
At a ceremony in East London yesterday, the parties signed an agreement that will see tailored digital SME services made available to small businesses through the ECCOB. The partnership has officially been sanctioned by the Eastern Cape MEC for economic development as well the premier of the province.
According to Vodacom, small businesses in the region will now be able to fully digitalise their services, enabling maximum productivity and creating an opportunity to increase their profit margin. Over and above faster Internet connections and mobile and broadband services, SME owners will have access to trial various enterprise mobility solutions such as Business Booster, a mobile platform that allows tradesmen and professionals to quote, invoice and accept payments while on the job.
Vuyani Jarana, chief officer at Vodacom Business, says: "Vodacom and the ECCOB share a common goal to support SMEs in the province. The digital economy is the single most important driver of growth, innovation and competitiveness on the continent and it holds huge potential for SA. Small businesses must embrace the digital economy and our partnership with the ECCOB marks the beginning of an exciting digital journey."
Two major barriers which prevent the successful digital transformation of SMEs are a lack of skills as well as a lack of access to information, adds Jarana.
"Many small businesses are simply not aware of what is out there or how to use it. It is critical that small businesses are educated and trained to know what is available to them and how to use the latest technology at their disposal," he explains.
ECCOB secretary general Andile Nontso says Vodacom will provide resources to facilitate the training and adoption of SME services to the chamber and its members.
"The Eastern Cape Chamber of Business has partnered with Vodacom to promote digital transformation among its members. We are confident that this partnership will go a long way toward promoting the growth of small businesses in the Eastern Cape through resources, which in turn will boost the regional economy," notes Nontso.
The SME supportive technology, one of the technologies offered, is a fixed solution which is available to all network subscribers. Enterprise mobility applications and cloud solutions will enable SMEs to operate from anywhere and at any time, according to Vodacom.
"Our ultimate goal is to make all ICT and operational requirements a seamless process for small businesses. This will enable them to focus their attention on their core business without any unnecessary distractions," concludes Jarana.
Other services which will be offered through the chamber, says Vodacom, include One Net Business, a platform which provides enhanced unified communications features and functionality that integrates fixed and mobile telephony services and lines, offering a convergence experience.
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